Effect of Age on Water Content in Human Teeth

Abstract

The changes that occur in human teeth with increasing age probably include a loss of water. Intact whole teeth and teeth with enamel and pulp contents removed showed loss of water on dehydration at 105 C. Old teeth showed less water loss than young teeth.One of the most pervasive changes with advancing age in man is the progressive loss of water from the connective tissues. An increased accumulation of collagen and a decrease in mucopolysaccharidesl accompany this water loss. Comparison of the thoracic aorta, myocardium, and skin of the normal fetus with similar organs from man between 4 months and 86 years old showed a significant increase of collagen with respect to the mucopolysaccharides.2 A general statement has been made that the ratio of mucopolysaccharides to collagen decreases with age.3 Most the bulk of the human tooth is dentin. It is a well-known fact that with aging there is a continuous apposition of dentin on the pulpal surface of the tooth, which adds to the quantity of dentin.Ground sections of root dentin in old teeth show a transparency when examined microscopically. Moreover, such dentin resists the permeation of dyes. Such transparent dentin is composed of marrow-calcified tubules-sclerotic dentin.4 7 Sclerosis of dentinal tubules occurs after the odontoblastic process degenerates or dies.

The survival of Class V restorations in general dental practice: part 3, five-year survival

“…Age-related changes in the structure of teeth may also be a factor. Over time, dentine tubules decrease in diameter and number 32 with an associated decrease in permeability, 33 water content 34 and altered mechanical properties of dentine. 35 The relative contribution of all these factors would be difficult to determine, but the practical significance is that clinicians need to modify their approach when restoring the teeth of older patients to provide longer lasting restorations.…”

Hydration and dynamic fatigue of dentin

“…A change in the mechanical behavior of dentin attributed to level of hydration is a relevant clinical issue. A study of age and moisture 34 showed that teeth over 50-years-old contained less water than young teeth (10 -20 years of age). During aging, it is common for the dentinal tubules to become filled with mineral crystals, thereby lowering the water content of dentin through reduction in the internal delivery of fluids.…”

Endodontics and the ageing patient

“…The predentine layer is thicker in older pulps . The dentine of older patients has less water content than younger teeth, and is also more likely to have cracks present within its structure . Physiologic ageing results in occlusion of the dentinal tubules by deposition of peritubular dentine …”